Here they are, the gang, waiting for the bus on the first day of school. It's the first time I've ever seen them sitting down when they are together! Two first-graders and a kindergartener, who live next door and across the street. They've spent their summer in the street--wearing out scooters, bikes, rollerblades and soccer balls. It's not uncommon to see deserted scooters or bikes in any of our front yards, while the boys disappear into the back yard to hit the sandbox, swingset or ditch. They play rough-and-tumble; they get into occasional spats and they work it out. They are a good group.
Watching Chicklet and B6 get on the bus wasn't as hard for me as I thought it might be. I'm happy for them! I know they are going to have a good time at school.
And they did love it. They are both motivated to "stay on green" or "keep their smiley face all day." Chicklet was happy to be remembered by kids that she knew from her half-year in first grade. I'll be interested to see how they fare academically, but I'm really not worried about them. They are bright and delightful children, and I know they will have a good year.
The first two days at iQ Academy were easy for Bantam12 in 7th grade--it's old hat for him, since he did this last year--and nerve-wracking for B16, in 10th. Everything took longer than he wanted it to, since it was all new to him, and he's second-guessing his decision already, just sure that this is going to be more time-consuming than his schedule would have been if he had gone to the private school. It was a struggle to stay calm while he was freaking out. My big challenge for the next couple weeks will be to stay calm, supportive and helpful to him until he gets comfortable and confident on his own.
And what did I do on the first two days of school, besides assist the Bantams-at-home? I uncovered the floor of my laundry room and vacuumed up all the sand. (Sand happens when you live near a beach!) I treated stains and laundered various delicate items that I've been saving up. I spent a good hour putting away stray items that had gathered in my laundry room, living room and kitchen counters. I sorted through the dress-up and changed its home. I brainstormed organization projects that I can't wait to start and bought storage drawer thingys at Walmart.
I discovered, deep down, a slew of pent-up organizing and cleaning impulses that I may, finally, have time and energy to act upon!
I think it's going to be a good school year.
3 comments:
Jeanne my week was so similar! Sam was frustrated by all the introductory reading that had little to do with subject matter & 4 quizzes on academic accountability ! As for me- my laundry room, junk drawer, and linnen closet are gleaming!! Whahoo for fall cleaning!
Sounds like things are off to a good start for the whole family!
I must say, the fact that I'd have more time for my own projects is the one thing that really appeals to me about the idea of sending the kids off to school. Not so much that it balances out all the reasons I believe in homeschooling, and think it's the right choice for our family this year, but enough that I read your post and feel a moment of envy that you enough time to clean out the laundry room during the school week. Sigh.
Then I remember how I don't have to get up early enough to put anybody on the school bus at 7:30 in the morning. Suddenly, it all seems worth it again ... :)
Isn't it amazing what some really good cleaning & organizing can do for your spirits?! Congratulations on all of it! Pianomum
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